OEM-Refurbished Printer Demand Increases 14.5% in 1H26

The global market for OEM-refurbished multifunction printers (MFPs) and standard printers strengthened in the first half of 2026, according to IDC. Unit shipments grew by 14.5% year-over-year, with growth primarily concentrated in the Americas and the EMEA region. Enterprise purchasers are increasingly balancing cost constraints with sustainability goals, bolstered by tightening regulatory mandates in Europe.

In the first half of 2026, the global OEM-refurbished market reached a record valuation of $96.9 million. Western Europe currently dominates the segment, holding 39.2% of global value. Although the United States records higher unit volumes, Western Europe’s focus on high-value A3 color laser MFPs accounts for the disparity in market value.

The OEM-refurbished market is expanding alongside an already robust third-party refurbished sector in Europe. Technology buyers increasingly demand high-tier quality for both hardware and consumables—an expectation that OEM-backed programs are generally better equipped to meet than third-party alternatives. This credibility gap is a primary driver for the rising demand for OEM-refurbished equipment.

Regulatory requirements are also transforming refurbished hardware from an optional choice to a mandatory consideration. The European Union’s Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Working Plan identified imaging equipment as a priority category in 2022, with mandatory compliance expected by 2027. Additionally, France now requires public sector buyers to source a minimum percentage of IT hardware as refurbished, a threshold set to rise through 2030.

Economic factors further support this shift, as cost pressures on new IT hardware—driven by component shortages and high demand for AI infrastructure—make refurbished equipment an economical alternative for budget-conscious organizations. Financing options and OEM warranties are also lowering barriers to entry, with leasing models now emerging for large-scale corporate and public sector buyers.

IDC anticipates that Western Europe will continue to lead growth in this sector, with unit shipments projected to achieve a 26% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years. As consumer behavior shifts and environmental regulations tighten, manufacturers face increasing pressure to integrate refurbished and circular models into their primary offerings.